Death of a Discipline: Twentieth Anniversary Edition

Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak is a renowned scholar of world literature who argues for a "new comparative literature" that is not appropriated by the market. She examines the impact of globalization on comparative literature and offers insights into the protection of languages and literatures at universities. This anniversary edition includes a new preface by Spivak, reflecting on the field's progress and challenges.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, a prominent figure in the study of world literature and its cultural ramifications over the past fifty years, has written a groundbreaking book that challenges the traditional notion of comparative literature. Originally published in 2003, this book heralds the death of comparative literature as we know it and calls for a "new comparative literature" that is not appropriated and determined by the market. In this comprehensive work, Spivak delves into the impact of globalization on comparative literature and explores strategies to safeguard the diverse languages and literatures at universities. She argues that critics interested in social justice should pay close attention to literary form and offers insightful interpretations of classic works such as Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness and Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own. Spivak's approach is exemplified through readings of texts in English, French, German, Arabic, and Bengali, demonstrating her commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. This anniversary edition includes a new preface by Spivak, reflecting on the past and present of comparative literature and its ongoing challenges.

Introduction:
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, a renowned scholar in the field of world literature, has made significant contributions to the study of cultural consequences over the past half-century. In her book, originally published in 2003, Spivak boldly declares the death of comparative literature as we know it and advocates for a "new comparative literature" that is not shaped by market forces. This anniversary edition of the book includes a new preface, reflecting on the developments in the field and the challenges it faces in the present day.

The Death of Comparative Literature:
Spivak's book challenges the traditional notion of comparative literature, which has been heavily influenced by Western cultural dominance. She argues that the discipline has been appropriated and determined by the market, leading to a homogenization of literary forms and a neglect of the multiplicity of languages and literatures. Spivak calls for a "new comparative literature" that is not bound by the constraints of the market and is open to the exploration of diverse cultural traditions.

The Call for a "New Comparative Literature":
Spivak advocates for a "new comparative literature" that is not appropriated and determined by the market. She proposes a discipline that is reborn, one that is not limited to the comparison of literary forms but also encompasses the study of cultural practices, ideologies, and historical contexts. Spivak believes that a "new comparative literature" should be interdisciplinary, drawing on insights from various fields such as sociology, anthropology, history, and philosophy.

The Era of Globalization:
Spivak examines how comparative literature and world literature in translation have fared in the era of globalization. She argues that the globalization process has led to the homogenization of cultural forms and the marginalization of local languages and literatures. Spivak calls for the protection of the multiplicity of languages and literatures at the university, recognizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting diversity.

Protecting the Multiplicity of Languages and Literatures:
Spivak proposes strategies to protect the multiplicity of languages and literatures at the university. She advocates for the teaching of multiple languages and the promotion of literature in various languages. Spivak also suggests that universities should establish language centers and cultural exchange programs to facilitate the study of languages and literatures from different parts of the world.

Interdisciplinary Approach:
Spivak advocates for an interdisciplinary approach to the study of comparative literature. She believes that the discipline should draw on insights from various fields to provide a comprehensive understanding of cultural phenomena. Spivak's approach is exemplified through her readings of texts not only in English, French, and German but also in Arabic and Bengali, demonstrating her commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak's book is a groundbreaking work that challenges the traditional notion of comparative literature and advocates for a "new comparative literature" that is not appropriated and determined by the market. Spivak's interdisciplinary approach, combined with her commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, makes her a prominent figure in the study of world literature and its cultural consequences. This anniversary edition of the book includes a new preface, reflecting on the past and present of comparative literature and its ongoing challenges.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231207232
Edition number: Twentieth Anniversary Edition